Welcome to Real Debate Wisconsin (RDW). This is primarily a conservative blog but we always welcome input from all points of view. Things get heated upon occasion but we ask that our readers do their best to keep things civil and respect all participants. We always welcome guest posts, so if there is something you would like to share feel free to email me at fkd1015 at yahoo dot com.

March 12, 2011

I have a suggestion for Michael Moore, give up your money first, and since you are so focused on Wisconsin, give it the government here. Not your union pals that you don't find good enough to hire yourself, right into the general fund.

When I wrote to you last on behalf of the NFL, we promised you that we would work tirelessly to find a collectively bargained solution to our differences with the players' union. Subsequent to that letter to you, we agreed that the fastest way to a fair agreement was for everyone to work together through a mediation process. For the last three weeks I have personally attended every session of mediation, which is a process our clubs sincerely believe in.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you that earlier today the players' union walked away from mediation and collective bargaining and has initiated litigation against the clubs. In an effort to get a fair agreement now, our clubs offered a deal today that was, among other things, designed to have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years, and would have met the players’ financial demands in the latter years of the agreement.

The proposal we made included an offer to narrow the player compensation gap that existed in the negotiations by splitting the difference; guarantee a reallocation of savings from first-round rookies to veterans and retirees without negatively affecting compensation for rounds 2-7; no compensation reduction for veterans; implement new year-round health and safety rules; retain the current 16-4 season format for at least two years with any subsequent changes subject to the approval of the league and union; and establish a new legacy fund for retired players ($82 million contributed by the owners over the next two years).

It was a deal that offered compromise, and would have ensured the well-being of our players and guaranteed the long-term future for the fans of the great game we all love so much. It was a deal where everyone would prosper.

We remain committed to collective bargaining and the federal mediation process until an agreement is reached, and call on the union to return to negotiations immediately. NFL players, clubs, and fans want an agreement. The only place it can be reached is at the bargaining table.

While we are disappointed with the union's actions, we remain steadfastly committed to reaching an agreement that serves the best interest of NFL players, clubs and fans, and thank you for your continued support of our League. First and foremost it is your passion for the game that drives us all, and we will not lose sight of this as we continue to work for a deal that works for everyone.

I'm not sure how the Republicans can do their jobs. How are they supposed to work with people shouting the word "Shame;" colleagues wearing orange shirts; protestors carrying signs; and busloads of people standing outside the building shouting bumper sticker slogans.

These strategies yet more proof that unions still function well in the past.

FYI, the teachers' unions are firing up the buses for another round this weekend.

As dumb as it seems to sign a new contract with a the Budget Repair Bill still hanging out there and a referendum on the horizon, it has been done. At least 99% of the way. Some of the key points are a pay scale freeze (the steps still exist), health insurance deductibles, and pension payments made by the teachers themselves.

There is still fat to be trimmed both amongst the teachers' ranks and at the ASC, but it's a start. Hopefully, some wisdom will be injected in this district. A guy can hope can't he?

So we learned today that some of the fleebaggers have been meeting with Republican State Senators at the Hwy 50 exit McDonald's in Kenosha.

If Scott Walker and the Republican Senators were as bad as the unions, the media and the state whiners (but I repeat myself) have been saying; these Democrats would have been arrested and drug back to Madison.

Come to think of it, WHY THE HECK WEREN'T THE KENOSHA MCDONALD'S INHABITING FLEEBAGGERS ARRESTED AND DRUG BACK TO MADISON?

Here's another example of why our current collective bargaining system with the Public Unions is totally out of control and MUST BE CHANGED!!

This emeritus program (collectively bargained in Green Bay) gives one full year’s salary paid over three years,in addition to the regular pension benefits. In return, the retiree provides 10 days of service to the district each year during that time. The emeritus program is something that has been negotiated into the teachers’ contract through collective bargaining.

As a taxpayer I find this way beyond abuse and bordering on CRIMINAL!!! The "typical" teacher in Green Bay ready to retire is likely in the $75,000 salary range. The Green Bay school system has classes for around 176 days per year, paying that teacher a gross amount of $426 per teaching day. Under this outrageous program they will get $2500 per day for 10 days work!! That's a 586% increase in pay for the retired teacher willing to work the system and stick it to the taxpayer yet one more way.

Any of you out there still want to defend keeping collective bargaining untouched in Wisconsin???